The Strange Unsolved Murder of Ken McElroy | Stuff You Should Know

Intro

In this episode of “Stuff You Should Know,” the hosts delve into the strange and unsolved murder of Ken McElroy in Skidmore, Missouri. They explore the life of this notorious criminal, his ability to evade conviction, and the events leading up to his murder. The story highlights the failures of the local law enforcement and the community’s decision to take matters into their own hands.

Main Takeaways

The Life of Ken McElroy

• Ken McElroy, born in 1934, was involved in crime from a young age, engaging in activities such as cattle wrestling and training hunting dogs.
• He had a history of intimidation, violence, and sexual assault, earning him the reputation of being a town bully.
• McElroy had a powerful attorney who helped him avoid conviction through procedural delays and intimidation tactics.
• Despite numerous arrests and charges, he was able to evade conviction, earning him the nickname “Teflon-coated Hick.”

The Murder of Ken McElroy

• A crowd of people confronted McElroy in a parking lot, resulting in his shooting and death.
• Despite the presence of numerous witnesses, no one saw who pulled the trigger, and the town remained silent.
• The local law’s investigation into the murder was hindered by the community’s refusal to cooperate, leading to no arrests or prosecutions.

The Aftermath and Legacy

• Trina McElroy, Ken’s wife, filed a wrongful death civil case against the mayor and the sheriff, settling for a sum of money without any admission of wrongdoing.
• The community faced a situation where local institutions failed them, leading to the community taking matters into their own hands.
• Despite not condoning mob justice, the hosts understand why the community took action to protect themselves from a dangerous criminal.

Summary

The Life of Ken McElroy

Ken McElroy was a notorious criminal in Skidmore, Missouri, known for his involvement in cattle theft, intimidation, and sexual assault. Despite numerous charges, he managed to evade conviction with the help of a powerful attorney and his ability to intimidate witnesses and jurors. McElroy’s violent and intimidating nature was showcased when he shot a farmer named Romain Henry. He had a group of supporters who provided alibis for him, allowing him to escape punishment for his crimes. His abusive and manipulative behavior extended to his relationships with underage girls, whom he would groom, stalk, and abuse. The story of Ken McElroy’s criminal activities is shocking and disturbing, revealing the extent of his actions and the impact on his victims.

The Murder of Ken McElroy

The murder of Ken McElroy occurred when a crowd of people confronted him in a parking lot. Despite numerous witnesses, no one saw who pulled the trigger, and the town remained silent. The local law’s investigation into the murder was hindered by the community’s refusal to cooperate, resulting in no arrests or prosecutions. Trina McElroy, Ken’s wife, witnessed the shooting but did not disclose the identity of the shooter. The aftermath of the murder highlighted the failures of the local institutions and the community’s decision to take matters into their own hands.

The Aftermath and Legacy

Following the murder of Ken McElroy, Trina McElroy filed a wrongful death civil case against the mayor and the sheriff, settling for a sum of money without any admission of wrongdoing. The community of Skidmore faced a situation where local institutions failed to protect them from a dangerous criminal, leading to the community taking action to protect themselves. Despite not condoning mob justice, the hosts understand the community’s desire to prevent a child rapist from causing harm. The story of Ken McElroy and the events surrounding his murder highlight the complexities and failures of the justice system and the impact on the community.

Conclusion

The strange and unsolved murder of Ken McElroy in Skidmore, Missouri, sheds light on the failures of the justice system and the community’s decision to take matters into their own hands. Ken McElroy’s life as a notorious criminal and his ability to evade conviction is a chilling reminder of the flaws in the legal system. The story serves as a cautionary tale and raises important questions about justice, community, and the lengths people will go to protect themselves from a dangerous individual.